I think if he is healthy, he should be immediately inserted into the defense. Although this defense is very good, it's far from great. The D is missing that one player who can create turnovers. Woodley and Harrison don't seem to be able to create fumbles and our backfield is among the worst at creating INTs. Even today's game would have been won if we could have created one more turnover (i.e. Ike dropping two I believe).

Over the last 18 games Taylor and Woodley both have as many INTs as Troy. His season changing days are over.

Will allen has been "serviceable" as a back-up to Troy. He didn't look that great today and struggled to make tackles letting guys get first downs. When Troy is healthy we need to get him back in there. No one can blow up a play and wreak havok like Troy Polamalu. I certainly don't think there is any type of "cover up". I think he is healing. Just look at my sig.

It's a tough question. I think the secondary has been playing more consistently without him - perhaps because they're not having to rely on a LB to cover the coverage in the secondary as they would when Troy was on patrol or involved in one of LeBeau's zone blitzes. That said, the D isn't the turnover machine it is normally with Troy in there, and we lack that unpredictability that forced a lot of teams to play conservative O against us when he's in there.

A fit, healthy Troy is an asset to any team - I do wonder if, when he does come back, LeBeau will look at the progress made in our Secondary this season and change his role somewhat.

It's a tough question. I think the secondary has been playing more consistently without him - perhaps because they're not having to rely on a LB to cover the coverage in the secondary as they would when Troy was on patrol or involved in one of LeBeau's zone blitzes. That said, the D isn't the turnover machine it is normally with Troy in there, and we lack that unpredictability that forced a lot of teams to play conservative O against us when he's in there.

A fit, healthy Troy is an asset to any team - I do wonder if, when he does come back, LeBeau will look at the progress made in our Secondary this season and change his role somewhat.

I'm wondering this as well. You can't sacrifice progress for the sake of someone's resume. The defense as a whole has had to adjust to life without him. If he is going to be on the field - his role needs to be re-evaluated. He is certainly capable of being a ball hawk like Ed Reed IMO - who has made a career out of being a cherry picker. Problem is - that has burned them a lot too. Damned if you do, like you've all been saying. This draft might be the year we need to trade up for a big time safety or CB. We need someone that can make a living out of getting INTs. I just feel desperate at this point.

__________________MacReady: Beaver pics - don't think we're in much shape to do anything about this threadChilds: Well, what do we do?MacReady: Why don't we just . . .wait here and post for a little while longer . . . see what happens?